Message about potholes from John Violet, October 2021
We
have all noticed the gradual decline in road conditions for cycling in Cheshire
West and Chester area. Consequently, I have had two meetings with Highways and
it is clear that they are restrained by a combination of finance and rules from
Central Government.
We
feel that a strong message should be sent from cyclists about the road
conditions and Cycling UK, in conjunction with Cycle North Cheshire and Chester
Cycling Campaign, are asking members to report 5 potholes during this month.
The Council’s maintenance budget is very low this year but if we can show the
full extent of the defects then they may be able to transfer money from other
areas.
The
report should go to Cheshire West and Chester website where the description and
location of the defect can be made. It is also possible to add photographs. https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/transport-and-roads/highways/potholes-and-road-faults.aspx
The
pothole should be 4cm (1.5inches) or greater in depth.
Reinstated
trenches should be 1cm (0.5inch) or greater in depth.
Gravel
should also be reported.
It
would be preferable if members were to report conditions away from the urban
area of Chester as these should be covered by the 200+ members of Chester
Cycling Campaign.
CYCLE ROUTE NEWS, OCTOBER 2021
Written by John Violet
Chester
In the Chester
area there has been few projects delivered or in the pipeline since the last
report. Discussions with Cheshire West and Chester Council have focussed on the
Active Travel Forum (ATF) and the Sustainable Transport Task Force (STTF).
Following suggestions from Cycling UK and other voluntary organisations such as
the Ramblers Association the format of the ATF is to be reviewed to make it
more effective. The work with the STTF has been concentrated on the Boughton dual
carriageway corridor and the Cycling UK proposal of a 2-way cycle lane instead
of a traffic lane on the south side of the dual carriageway has been well
received. The suggestion relies on sufficient road capacity for a single lane
inbound to Chester for traffic travelling at 20mph. Data has been analysed
which shows that the peak pre Covid traffic flow was 1080 vehicles/hour which
happily is less than the capacity of 1200 vehicles/hour for the single lane.
The scheme is now subject to review by the Council and if agreed could be
implemented using the current Temporary Traffic Orders.
Mini Holland
Bid
Last year the
Government announced that about 12 Local Authorities would be able to
demonstrate the way in which low traffic neighbourhoods in conjunction with new
infrastructure could change the way in which people use different forms of
transport. Cheshire West and Chester Council have now submitted a bid for the
dual carriageway work described above in conjunction with improving the route
along Christleton Road to the Hamburger Junction. The order of cost is about
£20-25m for each of the 12 areas but with over 100 councils bidding the chances
of success are low.
A5117
Ellesmere Port Shared User Path
The Council
consider the path should be complete in July 2021 but this is considered to be
rather optimistic as there are a few outstanding areas needing completion.
A41 Backford
A Shared Used
Path has been provided between Whitby Lane traffic lights and the canal bridge.
A51 Tarvin
Road
The £5.5m road
scheme is virtually complete but there is still some work outstanding on the
Shared User Path. The Toucan crossing at Littleton Lane is currently being
installed which will provide a much safer crossing provision for cyclists
(Cycling UK request at scheme consultation).
Tattenhall
to Whitchurch Disused Railway
Highways
England have listed two bridges along this route for demolition. Cycling UK
have brought the matter to the attention of the Council as there is a long term
plan for a potential Active Travel route.
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